Railway Bell 1870s - 1880s

Folkestone Chronicle 3-1-1874

Inquest

An inquest was held on Monday last before J. Minter Esq., Coroner for the Borough, at the Railway Bell Inn, Dover Road, on the body of James Borland, a fireman in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, who met with his death on Friday evening last, under the circumstances detailed below.

The jury, having been sworn, proceeded to view the body, which was lying at the father`s house. On their return the following evidence was taken –

Sylvester Eastes, surgeon, being sworn, deposed that about 5 o`clock on Friday evening he was called to the house of the father of the deceased, whence he had been removed on a stretcher. He found deceased quite stiff, and in a complete state of collapse, and insensible. After a little time he partially recovered sensitiveness, and swallowed a little brandy and water. I had him placed on a bed, and had his clothes removed. He was then breathing rapidly. Upon examination I found two or three ribs on the left side broken, and a large quantity of air had escaped under the cellular tissues over the greater part of the body, thus proving that the lungs had been injured by the fracture of a rib. There was also a dislocation of the left hip joint. After bandaging the chest, I applied warmth to the feet and gave him some stimulants. He then became quite conscious, but breathing very laboriously. I then left him, but saw him again between 7 and 8 o`clock; found him in much the same condition. Between 9 and 10 o`clock I received an urgent message to come and see him again. Upon my arrival I found he was dead. Death was caused by injury to the lungs caused by broken ribs. I have not held a post mortem examination; did not think it necessary; he only lived about 4 hours.

William Mills was next sworn, who said: I am an engine driver in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, and am stationed at Folkestone. I drive the engine (No. 152) to and from the Harbour to the Junction. I have identified the body of deceased as that of James Borland, who was my fireman. I am 63 years of age, and have been in the employ of the Company as an engine driver for 27 years. I and deceased had been at work all day on Friday, December 26^th, from about a quarter before six, driving the engine to and from the station and the Harbour with passengers and goods, excepting during breakfast and dinner. We left the engine to go to tea about half past four. On my return a few minutes before five, I met deceased at the end of the platform, on th up side of the line. We walked down to the engine together, deceased being a little in front of me. The engine was standing about 20 yards from the water crane. There was a bank brake attached to our engine; there was no tender. Deceased got up and moved the engine to the water crane, and I gave him water. I then got up on the engine, deceased being on the other side. I put the engine in motion, intending to go to the Harbour. It would have been my duty to have directed the deceased to uncouple the chain from the bank brake, had I not seen him walk along the outside of the engine for that purpose. Unless a brakesman happened to be present, deceased always did it. He had done it hundreds of times before. Sometimes he would do it from the framework of the engine, and sometimes from the brake. It was very dark on the evening in question. I did not see deceased again. I listened to hear the chain thrown off, but not hearing it fall I called out to deceased “Is it all right, Jim?”. Receiving no answer, I got off the engine and called out “Where are you?”. Still receiving no answer, I walked back, and found him in the 4 ft., about 50 or 60 yards from where I left the engine. When I came up to him I found he was insensible. I went and fetched assistance and had him carried on a stretcher to his father`s house. We were both quite sober, having had no liquor to drink that day.

In answer to a juryman, the witness said: I did not feel the wheels pass over him; the ash pan and cylinders caused his death. Had he been lying flat there would hardly have been room for the engine to pass over him.

By another juror: The regulator was shut directly deceased began to walk along the engine. There being no steam on, could not consequently feel any bumping of the engine against the buffers of the brake. There is no particular regulation about detaching the engine from the brake.

Witness continued: There is a rail which passes along the smoke box, and another rail along the side of the engine, so that when travelling we can walk alongside to oil the engine, or to examine it to see that it is all right.

James Borland, sworn, said: I am a carpenter in the employ of the S.E.R. Company. Deceased was my son. He was 29 years of age. I was not at home when he came home to tea. Just before he died, he became conscious. I asked him how it had occurred. He replied “I went, as usual, to uncouple, and whilst in the act of doing so, the steam was put on. I slipped in the four foot, and the engine passed over me. I wonder I wasn`t doubled up”. I have frequently seen him uncouple the engine in different ways.

The witness Mills was then re-examined, and said: I did put steam on again, after I had said “Is it all right, Jim?”. It was from 20 to 30 yards from where I had first left the engine before I put on steam again.

William Mitchell, sworn, said: I am station master at Folkestone. I was at the Harbour at the time of the accident. About 10 minutes after, I arrived at the Junction. I saw Mills that evening; he was quite sober; he is generally a very sober man. I have often seen the uncoupling of the engine, as spoken to by the previous witnesses.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”. The Coroner remarked that it did not appear to him there was culpability attaching to anyone, as the system of uncoupling appeared to be a customary one, but it was a great pity men would run such risks, and endanger their lives.

Folkestone Express 3-1-1874

Inquest

We regret to have to record a fatal accident, which happened on Friday evening, 26^th ult., to a respectable young man named Borland, stoker on the engine running between the Upper Station and the Harbour. From the evidence given below it will be seen that the fatality was purely accidental, and arose from a mishap in a simple mechanical operation which deceased had performed hundreds of times safely. We understand that the poor young man who has met with such an untimely end was very steady and was much respected by all those with whom he worked.

An inquest was held on Monday at the Railway Bell Inn before J. Minter Esq., Coroner, and a respectable jury. The following evidence was adduced:

Mr. S. Eastes deposed: On Friday evening last, the 26^th December, about five o`clock, I was called to the Upper Station to see the deceased, James Borland. He was taken to his father`s house on a stretcher; he was then in a state of collapse, and quite insensible. A few minutes after I entered the room he partially recovered his senses, and was able to swallow a little brandy and water. I had him placed upon a bed, and his clothes taken off; this time he was breathing very rapidly, and on examination I found two of his ribs on the left side broken, and a large quantity of air had escaped under the cellular tissue over a great part of the body, thus proving that the lungs were wounded by the fractured ribs. There was also a dislocation of the left hip joint. After bandaging and supplying warmers to the feet and giving a little stimulants he became quite conscious, but the breathing was still very laborious. I saw him again between seven and eight o`clock; he was in much the same condition. Between nine and ten I received an urgent message to visit him. On arriving at the house I found he was dead. His death was caused by injury to the lungs through the broken ribs.

William Hills was then called. He said: I am an engine driver, in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, stationed at Folkestone, running between the Harbour and Upper Station. I identify the body as that of James Borland, my fireman. I have been in the service of the company for 27 years as engine driver. I left the engine near the water crane on Thursday. We came out to work about a quartr to six on Friday morning. I and deceased had been at work all day with the engine, going to and from the harbour. We had breakfast and dinner hours. I and the deceased left the engine about half past four to go home to tea. I returned about five minutes to five; I met the deceased returning on the up side platform. We then walked to our engine, deceased being a little in advance of me. The engine was standing about twenty yards from the water crane, the bank brake being attached. Deceased got up and moved the engine to the water crane, and I gave him water; I then got up on the engine, deceased was on the other side. I put the engine in motion, with the intention of going to the harbour, and should have directed the deceased to uncouple the bank brake, had I not seen him walk along the side of the engine for that purpose. He had done this before many hundred times. He would uncouple it sometimes standing on the frame of the engine, and sometimes from the brake. It was very dark on that evening, and I lost sight of the deceased when he got halfway along the engine. Not hearing the coupling chain fall, I called out “Is it all right, Jim?”. Receiving no answer, I stopped the engine and got off and called out “Where are you?”, and receiving no answer I walked back and found him lying in the fourfoot, about fifty or sixty yards from where I stopped the engine. I met a man and asked him to go for a doctor. I then went off for a stretcher, and he was carried to his father`s house. Deceased and I were quite sober. The ash pan and cylinders must have struck and passed over the deceased. There would be hardly room where the deceased was lying for the ash pan to pass over, and the ground was rather soft. The regulator was shut. There is a rail goes along and across the front of the engine to hold by whilst examining the machinery when in motion. I put my steam on after I called out.

James Borland, a carpenter in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, deposed: The deceased is my son. He was carried into my house as I returned home. He became conscious just before he died. I then asked him how it occurred. He said he went as usual to uncouple, and as he was doing so the steam was put on. He slipped and the engine passed over him. He made the remark “I wonder I was not doubled up”. The age of deceased was 29.

William Mitchell then said: I am the station master at Folkestone. I was at the Harbour when the accident took place. I arrived at the Upper Station about ten minutes after I left the Harbour, and I met the deceased being carried off on a stretcher by four men. I was aware of the manner in which the engine was uncoupled, and it was done when it was necessary for the light engine to go to the Harbour to fetch a train.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, caused by injuries sustained by falling from an engine whilst in motion.

Folkestone Express 2-5-1874

Inquest

An inquest was held on Monday evening at the Railway Bell, before John Minter Esq., Coroner, on the body of Samuel Goddard, who met with his death as detailed below.

The jury having viewed the body, Edward Hobday deposed: I am a labourer. On Friday week I went home about twelve at noon; I live two door above deceased`s house. I heard a noise and went to look; the back door was fastened. I undid the window and reached the bolt of the back door and drew it and went in. I saw deceased laying at the foot of the stairs, doubled up, with his head in a pail, which was fallen over, his legs being on the stairs. There was no-one in the house. He was insensible. I picked him up and laid him in the room, and placed something under his head. When I picked him up I noticed congealed blood hanging to his head. I left him in the care of two men, named Hall and Clay.

Jane Goddard, wife of deceased, deposed: I went out to work about 7 o`clock on Friday morning week. On Thursday evening I went to a party at my sister`s, and told deceased I should not be home that night; my husband was out then. Between 12 and one on Friday, in consequence of what I heard, I went home. On my arrival my husband was sensible. He told me he got out of bed between nine and ten on Thursday night and got dressed, and missed the stairs, and did not remember any more. He died about seven o`clock on Saturday night. He was 76 years of age. He told me he had been to bed, and I saw by the bed that he had been there.

Marta, wife of Wm. Hall, deposed: Deceased came home on Thursday evening week about seven o`clock. I did not speak to him. He was a little the worse for drink. About half past eleven next day I heard a moan proceeding from the kitchen of deceased`s house. I opened the window and saw deceased lying at the foot of the stairs. I waited until the witness Hobday came home. Mrs. Clay and Mrs. Hobday came. We called to deceased, but he did not answer. We did nothing, but waited till our husbands came home. I did not think anything at all about what was the matter with him.

By the Foreman: I did not hear anything of him the night before. The next door neighbour heard something fall between ten and eleven.

Supt. Wilshere said: I saw deceased going home on Thursday night the worse for drink. He was coming from the Black Bull towards his residence. He was in company with another man. Deceased said “I am going home to sleep it off, old fellow”. I told him that was the best thing he could do.

W. Bateman Esq., M.R.C.S., deposed: On Friday afternoon I was called in to see deceased, and found him lying on a couch in the front room, insensible. On examining his head I found on the right side a wound about two inches in length, and on further examination found the skull was fractured to the same extent just over one of the principle arteries of the brain, which runs in a groove in the bone. He afterwards became sensible, so as to answer questions indistinctly. His left side was paralysed, and it was a hopeless case from the first. He died from exhaustion caused by injuries to the brain, which was wounded. After looking at the pail, I think he fell on the ear of the pail.

By a Juror: I do not think medical assistance sooner could have saved him.

The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death while intoxicated”.

Folkestone Express 19-9-1874

Wednesday, September 16^th: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt and J. Clark Esqs.

The following received temporary authority to sell intoxicating liquors at the houses named until the transfer day:

Mr. Major, Railway Bell

Note: Major does not appear in the list in More Bastions

Southeastern Gazette 14-8-1876

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Railway Bell, on Monday, on the body of James Godden. On June 30th he was working with William Hogben on a scaffolding inside the Congregational Chapel, when he accidentally fell backwards. He sustained concussion of the brain and injury to the spine, but lingered fire weeks and died on Friday, the 4^th inst. The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death.”

 

Folkestone Express 21-4-1877

Local News

On Thursday evening the body of the man Brotherwood, who was killed by a slip at Eagle`s Nest, on the Suth Easter Company`s line to Dover, was found by the men engaged in clearing away the earth. The body was in a frightful condition, being, as an eyewitness said, like a crushed sheet of newspaper. When discovered the body was bound up with telegraph wire, and three strands of the metal had to be cut before it could be released from it`s prison. The inquest will be held this (Friday) afternoon at three o`clock at the Railway Bell Inn, Dover Road.

Folkestone Express 28-4-1877

Inquest

On Friday Mr. Coroner Minter held an inquest at the Railway Bell Inn, Dover Road, on the body of Henry Brotherwood, who was killed by the fall of earth from Eagle`s Nest on to the South Eastern Company`s line of railway to Dover on the 15^th of January.

At the opening of the enquiry the Coroner remarked that he did not know for what reason the body was brought into Folkestone Parish for the inquest to be held, but inasmuch as it had been brought, his duty was to hold the inquiry into the cause of death.

The first witness called, after the viewing of the body, which laid at the Railway Station, was Thomas Brotherwood, who identified the body as that of his brother, Henry Brotherwood, a labourer in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, who resided at Farley. He was twenty seven years of age.

John Lavender deposed that he was a navvy employed on the slip on the South Eastern Railway. Between ten minutes and a quarter past one o`clock on the previous day he was engaged in excavating on the slip when he came upon the body of the deceased, on the down line, across the rail. His head and his feet were close together. Witness called some of the Company`s men and they got the body out. It was placed in a shell and taken away.

Mr. Harvey, the Inspector of the Permanent Way, in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, deposed: Part of my district is on the main line from Ashford to Dover. The deceased was in the employ of the Company as a labourer. On the 15^th of January, when the slip occurred, he was assisting on putting a temporary road on the lime kiln siding on the up side of the line. On that day about a quarter to one o`clock I was standing at the eastern mouth of the Martello Tunnel, and I saw the fall of chalk and earth from the face of the cliff into the cutting, about a hundred yards on the Dover side of the lime kiln siding, filling it up to a depth of about forty feet, and a length of about two hundred yards. At the time of the fall I did not see the deceased or any other person near the spot. Capel-le-Ferne is the parish in which the slip took place. My duty is to inspect up to the fence on both sides of the line. The fence on the inland side is about 120 yards from the foot of the cliff. The land from the top where the slip took place, down to the Company`s fence belongs, I believe, to a Miss Campbell, who lives in Bouverie Square, Folkestone; at all events, she claims it. I had not inspected the cliff at the spot where the slip took place prior to the fall, but I have done so since. The cause of the slip was that the foot of the cliff was rotten, owing to the water washing the sand and red loam down a fissure at the back, and from the continuation of the wet caused a portion of the cliff to become disconnected from the rest and fall. I have since inspected the cliff and I do not think that there is any likelihood of another similar fall. The earth which branched out has been removed to prevent this, and the face of the cliff has been levelled down. The fall was unexpected.

Albert Link, a labourer in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, residing at Ashford, stated that on the 15^th of January he was assisting in making a siding near the lime kiln. Close upon one o`clock he had just finished dinner when he saw the chalk slipping down the cliff. The deceased was standing on the side of the railway nearest the cliff, holding by the iron railing and looking upwards. The chalk and the earth came down suddenly and covered the deceased.

This was all the evidence and the Coroner summed up. He said that from the testimony adduced there could be no doubt the deceased was smothered by the fall of earth upon him, but then the question rose “What was the cause of the slip?” They were told by Mr. Harvey that the cause was a crack in the back of the cliff, and sand and water washed in there, causing the face of the cliff to become loosened and fall down. It did seem to him (Mr. Minter) as a startling fact that a public line of railway should have been liable to such a calamity as to that which had occurred, and by which two men had lost their lives. When they thought of the number of trains carrying hundreds of passengers passing this spot, and that this fall might have taken place during the passing of a train, it would, he believed, strike them as being a most strange and startling thing that such an accident should be likely to occur on a railway. Then again the question rose in one`s mind whether or not there was any means of the occurrence having been prevented. From the evidence of Mr. Harvey they would see that the company had no right to go beyond their line of fence, and therefore it would appear that the duty of keeping all outside in order devolved on the owner of the property. There was not, it would appear, any supposition on the part of anyone that this fall would take place, and therefore no-one`s attention was called to it. The occurrence would consequently seem to be quite accidental, and although it made one dread to think of the danger to which passengers to Dover and vice versa had been liable to, yet now there was the satisfaction of knowing that the occurrence had called the attention of the Company, or the owner of the property, to the insecurity of the cliff and a thorough examination of it had been made and precautions had been taken to render it perfectly safe, and to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

The jury then returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

Folkestone Chronicle 24-8-1878

Inquest

On Thursday afternoon an inquest was held at the Railway Bell Hotel, before J. Minter Esq., on the body of Charles Catt, a labourer, who was killed on the previous day through the falling of a large mass of chalk. Deceased and another man named Howland were employed to remove a quantity of chalk, and on Wednesday they commenced work at six o`clock in the morning. About half past two they were working at a large piece of chalk weighing about 2½ tons. Deceased and Howland were standing at the foot of the piece of chalk, endeavouring to force it out, when it broke off very suddenly. Catt was crushed entirely beneath it, and Howland fell a little on one side of it, and he was caught by the leg and shoulder. Assistance was speedily obtained, and they had to cleave the chalk to release the deceased. He was quite dead. Dr. Eastes said he had examined the body of the deceased. Three or four of the upper ribs on the left side were fractured. From the copious bleeding from the left ear, he believed the base of the skull was fractured. There was also a compound fracture of the left thumb, which was nearly torn from the hand. Death appeared to have been instantaneous. The other man named Howland had his leg broken and arm fractured. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Folkestone Express 24-8-1878

Inquest

On Thursday afternoon an inquest was held at the Railway Bell Hotel before J. Minter Esq., on the body of Charles Catt, a labourer, who was killed on the previous day through the falling of a large mass of chalk. The deceased appeared to have been killed instantaneously, and a man named Howland, who was working with him, had his leg broken. The following evidence was given:

John Kitchingham, a labourer, living in the Folly Fields, said he took a contract with the Cement Company to remove a quantity of chalk marked out in the chalk quarry. Deceased and another man named Howland were employed by him to assist. On Wednesday they commenced work at six o`clock in the morning. About half past two o`clock they were working at a large piece of chalk weighing about 2½ tons, and endeavouring to burst it out from where it was wedged in by two other pieces. Witness got on the top of it and told the others he thought they would not be able to do it. Deceased and Howland were standing at the foot of the piece of chalk endeavouring to force it out with a crowbar, when it broke off very suddenly. Catt was crushed entirely beneath it and Howland fell a little on one side of it, and he was caught by the leg and shoulder. Witness ran and called Wiffin and another, and they had to cleave the chalk to release the deceased. He was quite dead.

Mr. S. Eastes, surgeon, said he was called on Thursday afternoon about three o`clock by the last witness, who said there had been an accident at the Cement Works. He said one man was killed, but he wished him to go and see the other, who was badly injured. He told him they had better bring the man into the town, and sent his youngest son back with him to assist. Soon after he went over himself to the Cement Works and found Howland had been removed to the dispensary. He had examined the body of the deceased. Three or four of the upper ribs on the left side were fractured. There was also a compound fracture of the left thumb, which was nearly torn from the hand. Death appeared to have been instantaneous.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

Southeastern Gazette 24-8-1878

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Railway Bell Inn on Thursday afternoon, before the coroner (J. Minter, Esq.), respecting the death of Charles Catt, who was killed by a fall of chalk at the Cement Works on the previous afternoon.

Stephen Catt, brother of the deceased, identified the body, and said deceased was 26 years of age and was a labourer.

John Kitchingham said he was a labourer living in the Folly Fields. Witness had taken a contract with the cement company to remove some earth and chalk which was marked out in the chalk quarry. He employed deceased and another man named Howland to assist him in the work. They were working in the quarry on the previous day. They had undermined a large piece of chalk about two or three tons weight which was wedged in between two other pieces and they were endeavouring to force it out. Witness got on top and having looked said to them he did not think they would be able to do so. Deceased and Howland were standing at the foot of the chalk with a crow-bar trying to force it out. One side had been cleared. It stood about 8ft. high. While deceased and Howland were endeavouring to move the block it broke short off. Deceased fell in front of it, and the chalk fell upon him and crushed him. Howland fell a little wide and the block caught him by the leg and shoulder. Witness called to a man named Whiffen and another for assistance, and ultimately they cleared the chalk and released the body of deceased from under. Deceased did not speak at all.

Dr Eastes said he was called to see the deceased on the previous afternoon about three o’clock by the last witness, who said one man was killed by an accident and wished him to come and see the other who was badly injured. Witness said he had better bring him into the town and sent his younger son back with him to assist. Subsequently witness went over to the cement works and found that Rowland had been taken to the cemetery. He had examined the body of deceased’ and found several of his ribs fractured on his left side and from the copious bleeding from the left ear he believed the base of the skull was fractured. There was also a compound fracture of the left thumb which was nearly torn from the hand. Death appeared to have been instantaneous.

The Coroner pointed out the principal points of the case, and the jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death.

 

Folkestone Express 5-10-1878

Wednesday, October 2^nd: Before John Clark and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs.

Annie Wood was charged with being drunk and disorderly and using obscene language, and Thomas Wood was also charged with being drunk and disorderly at the same time and place – the Dover Road.

Superintendent Wilshere said he was informed that there was a disturbance near the Railway Bell. He went there and saw the male prisoner lying in the road drunk. He shook him and got him up and advised him to go away, but he refused, and began to hello and shout, and he was therefore taken into custody and placed in a stable at the rear of the Railway Bell. While there, the woman came up with another man and tried to force her way into the stable. She was so violent that she had to be placed in a cart to be brought to the cells, and she made use of most disgusting language on the way.

Prisoners said they were man and wife and had just come from hop picking.

The woman was fined 5s. and 6s. costs for drunkenness, and 5s. and 3s. 6d. for using obscene language. The man was fined 9s. 6d., including costs.

Folkestone Express 11-1-1879

Inquest

On Monday John Minter Esq. held an inquest at the Railway Bell Inn on the body of a child named Mercy Rumbold, aged three years, daughter of Charles Rumbold, a dairyman, living at 3, Canterbury Road, whose death resulted from scalding.

Mercy Rumbold, the mother of the deceased, said that on the 18^th of December she was in the back room sitting in front of the fire, and the child was near the tea table. Her neice, Sarah Rumbold, 12 years old, was pouring out the tea from a teapot, when her little boy, four years old, in passing behind her, touched her elbow accidentally, causing the teapot to cant over, and the contents went down the side of the face and neck of the deceased. Dr. Gill had attended the child from day to day until her death, which took place on the 5^th inst., at one o`clock.

Dr. Gill said he was sent for to attend the deceased child on the 20^th December. She was suffering from a scald, which he believed to have been caused in the manner described by the mother. He attended her constantly up till the day of her death, which resulted from the injuries she had received.

The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death from scalding”.

Folkestone Express 16-8-1879

Inquest

On Monday evening J. Minter Esq., Coroner, held an inquest at the Railway Bell Inn, on the body of a child, aged 17 months, the son of a brickmaker, named George Wire, whose death took place under the following sad circumstances:

Catherine Ann Wire said she was the wife of George Wire, living at No. 6, Beach Cottages, and the deceased, whose name was George Edward Wire, was their son. His age was a year and five months. On Sunday, the 27^th of July, she was engaged in clearing away the dinner things and the deceased child was toddling about the room. She went into the scullery, leaving the knives and forks in the centre of the table, and the child was left for a moment alone. Immediately after she heard him say “Mamma”, and then heard him fall and scream out. She ran to pick him up, and then saw that he had a knife and fork in one hand, and the blade of another knife which he had been carrying was sticking in his eye. He must have dragged the table cloth and thus pulled the knives to him. She drew the knife out, and carried the child into Mrs. Hogben`s, her next door neighbour. They bathed and bandaged the eye, and deceased then began to vomit. The child`s father at once took him to Dr. Mercer.

Ellen, wife of Herbert Hogben, ticket collector at the South Eastern Railway Station, said Mrs. Wire took the deceased into her house and told her what had occurred. After bathing the eye, which was bleeding, they bandaged it up, and the child`s father at once went with him to the doctor.

Mr. Richard Mercer, surgeon,  said the child was brought to him between two and three o`clock on the afternoon of the 27^th July. On examining the child he found it had a puncture wound on the left eyelid, which had penetrated through the lid of the orbit into the skull. He attended the deceased, and saw him last on Saturday the 9^th, and he died on Sunday at half past one, from inflammation of the brain caused by the wound.

The jury at once returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

Southeastern Gazette 16-8-1879

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Railway Bell, Dover Road, on Monday, before the borough coroner, Mr. Minter, respecting the death of Charles Edward Wise, aged one year and five months, who died from the effects of an accident, as described in the following evidence:—

Catherine Ann Wise, the mother of the deceased, said her little boy was sitting at the table on the 27th July whilst she was clearing away the dinner things. She heard him say “Mamma,” and then heard him fall and scream. She went to him and found that he had fallen with a knife in his hand, the blade of which had penetrated his left eye. She bandaged up the wound and took him to Dr. Mercer.

Dr. Mercer said he attended the child and found him suffering from a punctured wound in the eye. Deceased died on Sunday from inflammation of the brain caused by the wound.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

Folkestone Express 27-12-1879

Wednesday, December 24^th: before The Mayor, Aldermen Banks, Sherwood and Hoad, R.W. Boarer, and Colonel De Crespigny.

The landlord of the Railway Bell was granted an extension of two hours on the occasion of a supper.

Folkestone Express 24-1-1880

Inquest

On Sunday morning an elderly man, named Henry Kennett, who was well known about town, and especially among visitors and lodging house keepers as a luggage porter, committed suicide by cutting his throat. He at one time was a tradesman in a very good position, but having been much addicted to drink, and at times most eccentric in his conduct, he became reduced in circumstances. Some months ago he met with a severe accident, and since that occurrence he had never properly recovered his health. For the last few weeks he had been in a low and desponding state, and as stated above he ended his somewhat chequered career by committing suicide. An inquest was held on the body of the deceased before the borough coroner, J. Minter Esq., at the Railway Bell Inn, on Monday evening, when the following evidence was taken:

Bishop Kennett identified the body as that of his father, Henry Kennett, who lived at No. 1, Randall Terrace, Canterbury Road. Deceased was a fly driver, and his age was 59. For a long time he had been very eccentric in his conduct.

Emma Kennett, wife of the deceased, said for the last two months the deceased had slept by himself in a bedroom adjoining hers. He went to bed on Saturday night at half past ten. He was perfectly sober when he went to bed, but he had been in the habit of getting intoxicated, and that was the reason of his having a separate bedroom. For the last three or four weeks he had been quieter. On Sunday morning he got up begore it was light and went into witness`s room for a candle. He was in the habit of getting up at two or three o`clock in the morning and making himself some tea. He was partially dressed. He went downstairs without saying a word. Witness got up at half past eight, and on going into the kitchen she saw deceased lying on his face with his head under the grate. She called her neighbour, Mrs. Dawe, and then sent her daughter for her brothers and the doctor. Her husband had been in a very desponding and melancholy state for a long time, and had been very eccentric in his conduct for some months previously.

Harriett Dawe said on Sunday morning she was called by Mrs. Kennett and went immediately to her house. She saw deceased lying on the floor of the kitchen, with his head under the fireplace. There was a quantity of blood inside the fender. She believed the deceased was dead. Mrs. Kennett said “Don`t touch him until Dr. Mercer comes”. Witness remained until Dr. Mercer came. She had known deceased for five or six months, and had noticed that he had looked very ill for some time.

Mr. Richards A. Mercer, surgeon, said he was called about nine o`clock on Sunday, and on going to deceased`s house found him lying as described by the previous witness. He lifted him off the fender. There was a large pool of blood in the fender, and the razor produced was lying close to deceased`s right hand inside the fender, opened and covered with blood, which was quite dry. On turning the body over witness found a very large wound in the throat, dividing the large vessels, and also the windpipe. There were two or three slight cuts both above and below the large wound, and on the right and left side of it, but only just dividing the skin. The main wound would cause almost immediate death. Deceased`s vest and undervest were both unbuttoned and thrown back. In his opinion the wound was self-inflicted. From the position of the body, witness thought he must have been kneeling or leaning over the fender, all the blood being inside. There were no wounds or bruises on the body other than those described, except a bruise or two on the face which would be produced by his falling amongst the cinders. In the opinion of witness he had been dead three or four hours when he saw him. During the past summer witness had noticed that he looked more like a man demented than otherwise.

A verdict that the deceased committed suicide whilst temporarily insane was at once returned.

Southeastern Gazette 24-1-1880

Inquest

On Monday evening an inquest was held at the Railway Bell Inn, on the body of Henry Kennett, a fly driver.

Bishop Kennett said he identified the body as that of his father, who lived at Randall Terrace, Canterbury Road. He was 59 years of age. Latterly he had been very eccentric in his conduct.

 Emma Kennett, the wife of deceased, said her husband slept in an adjoining room to hers and had occupied a separate room for two months. The reason for this was that he used to get intoxicated. On Saturday night he went to bed at half-past ten o’clock, and she retired shortly afterwards. He was in the habit of going downstairs early in the morning in order to make some tea for himself. On Sunday morning he came into her room and took the candle, and she then heard him go downstairs. At half-past eight she got up and went into the kitchen, and there saw deceased lying on his face with his head under the fire grate. She called in the assistance of a neighbour, Mrs. Dair.

Dr. Mercer said he was called to see the deceased about nine o’clock, and found him lying under the fire grate. There was a pool of blood inside the fender, and the razor produced was close by, covered with blood. There was a large wound in the throat, dividing the larger vessels and also the windpipe. He was of opinion that the wound was self-inflicted.

The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst in a state of temporary insanity.”

Kentish Gazette 27-1-1880 

On Wednesday evening week an inquest was held at the Railway Bell Inn on the body of Henry Kennett, a fly driver.

Bishop Kennett said he identified the body as that of his father, who lived at Randall Terrace, Canterbury Road. He was 59 years of age. Latterly he had been very eccentric in his conduct.

Emma Kennett, the wife of the deceased, said her husband slept in an adjoining room to hers and had occupied a separate room for two months. The reason for this was that he used to get intoxicated. On Saturday night he went to bed at half-past ten o’clock, and she retired shortly afterwards. He was in the habit of going downstairs early in the morning in order to make some tea for himself. On Sunday morning he came into her room and took the candle, and she then heard him go downstairs. At half-past eight she got up and went into the kitchen, and there saw deceased lying on his face with his head under the fire grate. She called in the assistance of a neighbour, Mrs. Dair.

Dr. Mercer said he was called to see the deceased about nine o’clock, and found him lying under the fire grate. There was a pool of blood inside the fender, and the razor produced was close by, covered with blood. There was a large wound in the throat, dividing the larger vessels and also the windpipe. He was of opinion that the wound was self-inflicted.

The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst in a state of temporary insanity.”

Southeastern Gazette 11-9-1880

Local News

On Wednesday Benjamin Colman was summoned for assaulting Henry Charlton, on September 1st. Complainant is the landlord of the Railway Bell, and on September 1^st he went to see the defendant about the rent of some stables which he owed him. Defendant, however, pushed him and struck him on the hand with his stick.

There was a cross-summons, and defendant gave his version of the affair. He said that plaintiff came up and asked what he was going to do about the rent he owed him. He told him as he had placed the matter in his solicitor’s hands he had nothing to say to him; he had better go home to his pothouse and not stay there insulting him. Witness then wanted to pass into Mr. Mortimer’s garden, but Charlton blocked the way and struck a blow at him with his stick. It was possible in parrying the blow that witness hit him on his hand, but he did not strike a deliberate blow.

The Bench dismissed both summonses with costs.

   

Folkestone Chronicle 27-11-1880

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Railway Bell Inn, Dover Road, on Thursday evening on the body of an imbecile girl named Anne Godden, between 16 and 17 years of age, who met with her death under the following sad circumstances.

She was left alone whilst her mother, who lived in Bridge Street, went out washing. Mrs. Wilkins, a neighbour, deposed that she had often seen the girl, and believed although deficient in intellect she was able to take care of herself whilst her mother was out, although she believed she ought not to be left alone.

The evidence of the girl`s brother merely stated that the girl was found in a burning state, whilst the statement of the mother proved that she was a poor widow woman compelled to get her livelihood, and in her opinion the deceased was competent to be left alone.

The Coroner, in summing up, cast some blame on the mother for leaving the girl alone, as she was not in a position to take care of herself, and if the mother was too poor to do so, she could have asked for assistance from the Parish. On the other hand they should recollect the poor position of the woman, that she was obliged to go out for her daily livelihood, and the opinion expressed by the mother and a neighbour, that in their opinion the girl, although deficient in intellect, was able to take care of herself.

The jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased had died from the injuries sustained from burning, but in what manner those injuries were recieved, there was no evidence to show.

Folkestone Express 27-11-1880

Inquest

On Tuesday afternoon a young woman named Jane Godden, about 17 years of age, daughter of a widow living in Bridge Street, met her death in the most horrible circumstances. It seems that the poor creature had been from her birth subject to epileptic fits, in consequence of which her intellect was greatly impaired, and in addition to these afflictions she was “flesh tongue tied”, and unable to articulate. The mother is a laundress, who on three days of the week is away from home at work, and during these days it has been her custom to leave her daughter alone in the house whilst two younger children were away at school. On the return of the little boy on Tuesday afternoon, when he opened the front door to go in, a volume of smoke came out, which a neighbour noticed, and at once went in. In the yard she saw the poor imbecile lying with her face on the ground and her clothing almost consumed. She drew the unfortunate girl away from the burning fragments and had her carried indoors. Dr. Mercer happened to be in the neighbourhood, and within a few minutes of the occurrence the sufferer received such relief as medical aid could afford, but her injuries were so severe that it was impossible for her to recover, and death put an end to her sufferings about midnight, after she had lingered for eight hours. There was no evidence to show how deceased`s clothing got alight, but the probability is that she was attending to the fire, and on seeing herself in flames, rushed out into the yard. The intensity of the fire may be imagined by the fact that the wash-house door became ignited, probably while the deceased was endeavouring to get it open, and that her body was in places completely charred. An inquest was held by the Borough Coroner at the Railway Bell on Wednesday evening, when the following evidence was taken:

James Godden, a labourer, living at 28, Bridge Street, said the deceased was his sister, Jane Godden. Her age was between 16 and 17 years. On Tuesday afternoon about four o`clock his wife told him that the house, No. 16, Bridge Street, was on fire. He ran to the house with a small quantity of water, and on going into the back room, and thence into the wash-house, he saw the back door on fire. The deceased was lying out in the yard on the bricks. Her clothing was burnt completely off with the exception of her stays. He took off the remnants of her clothes, wrapped her in his jacket, and carried her into Mrs. Southon`s. Dr. Mercer was sent for and came in about five minutes.

Mr. Richards Mercer, surgeon, said he was driving up Bridge Street about ten minutes past four on Tuesday, and saw a crowd outside No. 16. Smoke was issuing from the door. He went there and found the deceased lying in the passage just inside the front door. He caused her to be taken into a neighbour`s house as there was so much smoke in No. 16. On examining deceased he found her very much burnt. All her clothing was gone and she was wrapped in a blanket. The whole of the surface of the body was burnt, and in some places the flesh was charred. She was sensible. He dressed the burns and administered opiates, but the deceased  only survived for about eight hours and died from shock to the system at twelve o`clock. She must have eventually died from the effect of the burns. He had known the deceased, and had been in the habit of attending her occasionally for six or seven years for epileptic fits. She had been an idiot, he believed, from birth, and was utterly incapable of taking care of herself. In his opinion she ought not to have been left in the house alone, but someone ought constantly to have been looking after her. He had never suggested that she should be placed in an asylum.

Mary Ann Wilkins, wife of a labourer, living at 19, Bridge Street, said she saw smoke coming from No. 16 when Mrs. Godden`s little boy opened the door to go in. He ran out again directly. Witness went to the door and called, but could not make anyone hear. She went through the passage into the wash-house. The door of the wash-house leading into the yard was in flames. It was wide open. She saw Jane Godden lying face downwards in the yard, enveloped in flames. She turned her over out of the flames on to the bricks. There was only a portion of her stays left upon her, and one shoe and half a stocking. Mrs. James Godden came, and ran and fetched her husband. Whilst she was gone, witness got some blankets to roll deceased in. When Godden came deceased was carried into No. 16, and from thence into Mrs. Southon`s. There was a fire in the back room of No. 16, in an ordinary open grate. There was no disarrangement of the fireirons, nor was there anything burning about the fireplace or the room. She had known deceased for the past nine or ten years. She was tongue-tied and could not talk, but was not deaf and understood what was said to her. She was not quite right in her mind, in consequence of having had fits. Witness believed she was capable of taking care of herself. She had frequently been left. Witness would have been afraid to leave her alone in the house with a fire, not on account of the state of her mind, but lest she should have a fit and fall into the grate. Witness knew that she had frequently attended to and kept a fire up during her mother`s absence, and tidied the room up, washing up all the dirty things and doing other domestic duties.

Emily Godden, a widow, mother of the deceased, said she left her home every week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays to go out washing, and was absent the whole of the day. She had two other children besides the deceased, a boy aged six, and the other girl aged nine. She left home at half past seven on Tuesday morning and went to the Bouverie Laundry, where she remained all day. She lit a fire in the back room before she went, and left it alight. The deceased was upstairs dressing, and the two little ones were in the back room. Deceased had been subject to fits since her birth, but had not had any during the past 12 months. She always attended to the fire during witness`s absence. There was no cooking done except when witness was at home. Deceased was of weak intellect, but would do anything she was asked to do. Witness used sometimes to be afraid to leave her, but she did not know how to avoid it.

The Coroner having summed up, and commented on the fact of the deceased having been left entirely alone, when it was clearly shown that she was not capable of taking care of herself, the jury returned a verdict that the deceased met her death by burning, but there was no evidence to show how her clothing became ignited.

Southeastern Gazette 27-11-1880

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Railway Bell Inn on Wednesday evening, before the borough coroner (Mr. Minter) respecting the death of Jane Godden.

James Godden said he was a labourer and lived at 18, Bridge Street, and he identified the body as that of his sister Jane. She was between 16 and 17 years of age. About four o’clock on Tuesday afternoon his wife came to him and said No. 16, Bridge Street was on fire. He went immediately to the house and into the back room, and when he got there he saw that the washhouse door was on fire, and his sister was lying on the bricks outside. He took her into a neighbour’s.

Dr. Mercer deposed that on examining the deceased he found her clothes entirely burnt off, and her body covered with burns more or less severe. She was conscious. He dressed the burns, but deceased did not survive the shock more than eight hours. He had known deceased for the last seven years or more, and had attended her occasionally for epileptic fits, but of late she had not had them so frequently. Her mental condition had been idiotic since he had known her. She was certainly not able to take care of herself. In his opinion someone ought to have been constantly looking after her.

Mary Ann Wilkins, a neighbour, deposed that she had known deceased for nine or ten years. Deceased was not “quite right sometimes” on account of her fits. She believed deceased was quite able to take care of herself. She had been left a good many times in charge of her little sister. She thought deceased was not fit to be left alone where there was a fire, on account of her being liable to fall into it in case of a fit. Deceased was quite capable of looking after the fire, tidying the room, and washing up the dirty things. She had done so many times. Deceased was tongue-tied and could not speak so as to make one understand.

Emily Godden, the mother of the deceased, a widow living at 16, Bridge Street, said deceased had been subject to fits from her birth, but had had none for the last twelve months. Witness used to do the work of the house when she got home at night. Deceased always looked after the fire. There was no dinner cooked for the children. Witness would cut it off and leave it for them. Deceased was sensible enough to do anything witness asked her to do. Witness was sometimes afraid of leaving deceased by herself because of the fire. The two other children went to sohool. She gave directions to them to look after deceased.

The jury returned as their verdict “That deceased came by her death by burning, but how the fire was caused there is no evidence to show.”

Kentish Gazette 30-11-1880 

An inquest was held at the Railway Bell Inn on Wednesday evening, before the borough coroner (Mr. Minter) respecting the death of Jane Godden.

James Godden said he was a labourer and lived at 18, Bridge Street, and he identified the body as that of his sister Jane. She was between 16 and 17 years of age. About four o’clock on Tuesday afternoon his wife came to him and said No. 16, Bridge Street was on fire. He went immediately to the house and into the back room, and when he got there he saw that the washhouse door was on fire, and his sister was lying on the bricks outside. He took her into a neighbour’s.

Dr. Mercer deposed that on examining the deceased he found her clothes entirely burnt off, and her body covered with burns more or less severe. She was conscious. He dressed the burns, but deceased did not survive the shock more than eight hours. He had known deceased for the last seven years or more, and had attended her occasionally for epileptic fits, but of late she had not had them so frequently. Her mental condition had been idiotic since he had known her. She was certainly not able to take care of herself. In his opinion someone ought to have been constantly looking after her.

Mary Ann Wilkins, a neighbour, deposed that she had known deceased for nine or ten years. Deceased was not “quite right sometimes” on account of her fits. She believed deceased was quite able to take care of herself. She had been left a good many times in charge of her little sister. She thought deceased was not fit to be left alone where there was a fire, on account of her being liable to fall into it in case of a fit. Deceased was quite capable of looking after the fire, tidying the room, and washing up the dirty things. She had done so many times. Deceased was tongue-tied and could not speak so as to make one understand.

Emily Godden, the mother of the deceased, a widow living at 16, Bridge Street, said deceased had been subject to fits from her birth, but had had none for the last twelve months. Witness used to do the work of the house when she got home at night. Deceased always looked after the fire. There was no dinner cooked for the children. Witness would cut it off and leave it for them. Deceased was sensible enough to do anything witness asked her to do. Witness was sometimes afraid of leaving deceased by herself because of the fire. The two other children went to school. She gave directions to them to look after deceased.

The jury returned as their verdict “That deceased came by her death by burning, but how the fire was caused there is no evidence to show.” 

Folkestone Express 4-6-1881

Inquest

On Wednesday afternoon an inquest was held at the Royal Oak Inn on the Dover Road on the body of a man who was found dead in a field at Capel-le-Ferne. From a paper found on the body it was ascertained that his name was Thomas Tickner, and that he was formerly a gunner in the Royal Artillery. He had been previously seen in the Railway Bell Inn, and subsequently at the Valiant Sailor Inn, where he appears to have created a disturbance. The body was found lying over a land roller. There were several bruises about the face, both eyes were blackened, and the head, face, and neck were very greatly discoloured in such a manner as to lead to the suspicion that the man had met with foul play. The presumption was further strengthened by the fact that on searching the body the police only found a sixpence and some coppers, while it was stated that the morning previous he was at a public house in the neighbourhood, when he had, besides other money, a half sovereign in his possession. It appeared, however, from the medical evidence, that the man`s neck was dislocated. There was no extravasation of blood in the brains, and as there appeared to be no doubt that the man had been addicted to drinking, it was thought he probably sat on the roller and fell over, and a verdict was returned of death from dislocation of the neck, there being no evidence to show how it occurred.

Folkestone Chronicle 19-6-1886

Wednesday, June 16^th: Before The Mayor, Maj. Gen. Armstrong C.B., and H.W. Poole Esq.

George Collins applied for a transfer of the license of the Railway Bell, Dover Road, late in the occupation of Mr. R. Pilcher. Granted.

Folkestone Chronicle 16-4-1887

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Railway Bell Inn on Wednesday afternoon before the Borough Coroner, Mr. Minter, respecting the death of a man unknown, whose body was found in the Dover Road that morning.

George Jenner said: I am a gardener, living at 42, Sydney Street. This morning as I was going to work about twenty minutes to six I saw the deceased lying partly in the road, just above the Railway Bell, in front of Kensington Lodge. I went up to him and spoke to him, but got no reply. His eyes were partly shut. I lifted his head up and then laid him down. There was not the least appearance of a struggle; a little blood was issuing from his mouth. I sat him up and waited for one of my fellow workmen, named Fraser, to come up, and together we brought the body down to the shed here.

George Collins, landlord of the Railway Bell, said: Deceased came to my house last night with two volunteers, who gave him a glass of ale and then left him. Deceased stayed in the front bar until a quarter to eleven o`clock. I believe he had several drinks with other people, until I thought he had had quite enough, and I told him he had better go and see to his lodgings if he wanted any in the town. He said he had secured his lodgings, and was going to see a Mr. Berry, and went out, I believe, with that intention. The next thing I heard was when a policeman asked if I knew I had a dead man lying in the yard. I said “No”, because I thought he was joking.

Dr. Maynard said he was called to examine the body of the deceased that morning, and he did so about quarter past eight. The body was still warm. There were no external marks of violence, and from the evidence of the last two witnesses he should say that death was caused by haemorrhage on the brain or apoplexy. He should judge his age was about sixty.

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Folkestone Express 16-4-1887

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Railway Bell Inn on Wednesday afternoon, respecting the death of a man, whose name was unknown, and who was found dead in Dover Road that morning.

George Jenner, a gardener, living at 42, Sidney Street, said: This morning I was going to work at about twenty minutes to six and saw deceased lying partly in the road, just above the Railway Bell. I went to him and spoke to him, but got no reply. His eyes were partly closed. I lifted him up and hen laid him down again. He gave a moan and then died. There was no appearance of a struggle, and a little blood was oozing from his mouth. I lifted him up and waited for one of my fellow workmen, named Frazer, and together he and I brought the body down to the Railway Bell.

George Collins, living at the Railway Bell, said: Deceased came to my house with two volunteers, who gave him a glass of ale and then left. Deceased stayed in the front bar until about ten minutes to eleven. I believe he had several glasses with other people, until I thought he had quite enough, and told him he had better go out and get lodgings. He went out with that intention. The next thing I heard was that his body was in my back yard.

Mr. E.C. Maynard, surgeon, said he had examined the body, and believed the cause of death was haemorrhage on the brain, or apoplexy.

The jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Superintendent Taylor took possession of a few scraps of paper deceased had in his possession, and has instituted inquiries with the view of getting the poor fellow identified. The general appearance of the deceased would lead to the belief that he was a stable helper.

Folkestone Express 27-7-1889

Saturday, July 20^th: Before Alderman Banks, Surgeon General Gilbourne, F. Boykett, H.W. Poole, J. Pledge and J. Brooke Esqs.

Mary Sellis was charged with assaulting Jane Prior on the 6^th July. She pleaded Guilty.

Complainant said she was housekeeper to John Allen, of 29, Bridge Street. She went outside her house on the 6^th, and Mrs. Sellis wanted to know what she had said about her bastard child, and at once knocked her down.

Defendant said she smacked complainant`s face, and she fell down because she was drunk.

John Allen was then charged with assaulting Mary Sellis on the same day.

Complainant said she was the wife of Wm. Sellis, of 3, Arthur Street. She went outside of the Railway Bell about half past nine. Defendant was there and wanted her to fight, and the men there prevented him striking her a second time.

Sarah Allen said she was with Mrs. Sellis outside the Railway Bell, and she saw Allen strike Mrs. Sellis on the side of the head. She did not stay to see the end of the row. She was wife of the defendant, and he had turned her out of doors.

On it`s transpiring that the witness was defendant`s wife, her evidence was struck out.

Defendant said that Mrs. Sellis attacked him, and his head was bandaged up in consequence of the injuries she inflicted.

Robert Allen, son of the defendant, said he was going to the fair on Saturday evening, and he saw Mrs. Sellis strike his father three times. Mrs. Sellis struck Mrs. Prior. A policeman separated them.

The Bench dismissed both summonses, Sellis having to pay 3s., and Sellis 4s.